8/4/17

Top 10 Must Pack Items for a New England and Canada Cruise

Cruises to New England and Canada aren't like packing for a cruise to the Caribbean. When I went cruising to the Caribbean my suitcase was filled with cute sundresses, lots of cute sandals and flip flops, bating suits, and adorable warm weather clothes. But unlike the tropical getaway that a cruise to the Caribbean provides, cruising to New England and Canada in the fall provides a completely different climate.

When I took my first cruise to New England and Canada back in 2015, I searched for what to pack for this type of cruising climate and I struggled to find answers. There were tons of ideas for warmer weather cruising but not for "colder weather climates". So I searched to find anyone who had been on a New England cruise that could share their thoughts, talked with different cruise lines, and searched tons of travel sites for their thoughts on visiting this area of the world. The reality is that this area of the world in the fall season can bring unpredictable weather, beautiful views, and gorgeous opportunities. So here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all:

1. Layers

photo found on pinterest

With weather that is unpredictable during this time of the year (some days can be in the low 30s to the high 80s!!) it is important to pack clothes that you can "layer".

2. Boots, Booties, Shoes, Sandals

Unlike the Caribbean where you live in sandals, you might want to vary your shoe "wardrobe" a little bit more for a New England Cruise. For time on the boat you might want to still live in cute sandals but time off the boat and the excursions that you choose might determine that you wear different types of shoes. Y'all know how much I love ASOS for their fashion and fun shoes and Joules also has some perfect boots for all different weather occasions. (AND Joules is having a HUGE sale right now!)

Taking a cruise to New England and Canada offers you a wide array of options as far as choices go for excursions and many that include hiking so don't forget to pack a variety of different shoes that you will need for your cruise!

3. Scarves

photo found on pinterest

Lets be honest. If you have been around the blog then you know that I love scarves and where them in all different weather environments, but a cruise to New England and Canada is a perfect opportunity and excuse to wear a variety of different scarves on the cruise.

Scarves are also a perfect accessory for a cruise as they are lightweight and don't take up a ton of room but can bring a pop of color to an outfit, change up an outfit (by simply wearing a different scarf), and are the perfect addition to any cruising outfit.

4. Sunscreen

It can be easy to forget this necessary component of your New England and Canada cruise since you are not traveling to a "warm weather" environment but don't forget to pack your sunscreen! I heard from several people who have been on the Carnival New England and Canada cruise that this was something that they forgot but were pleasantly surprised that they needed with two full days aboard the ship that turned out to be in the high 70s!

5. Camera (and the Extras)

Although I technically live in New England for half of the year and have been to several of the ports that we will be stopping at I can't wait to experience this cruise and the beautiful views that I am sure we will be met with. Fall in New England is gorgeous and I am so excited to explore Canada during this time of the year. Don't forget to bring all of the "extras" that you will also need like a spare battery, battery charger, extra chip, etc.

A great tip that a friend of mine shared with me the last time I went on a cruise was to charge my camera battery every night. This tip was invaluable as one day I accidentally forgot to turn off my camera in all of the fun we were having and would have missed out on some precious picture memories had I not done this!)

6. Extension Cord

Okay, so this isn't a particular suggestion only for New England and Canada cruises but can be for any cruise! Throw in an extension cord and you will be glad that you did! One that I bring along is the 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip simply because it allows for several things to be plugged in at once which is a must on a cruise!

7. Umbrella or Rain Jacket

As I stated before the weather in this area of the world is unpredictable, but many northeast cities get 3 to 4 inches of rain during the fall months. Consider bringing rain gear or a small umbrella so that you are prepared for whatever weather that you might encounter!

Anyone that knows me knows that I love big purses. They are honestly one of my favorite accessories. Taking a big purse with me on my cruise last time was the perfect way for me to carry everything that I needed for our days off the ship (and adding a cute accessory). Some people like to use a backpack or some different type of item to carry their belongings in, but definitely remember to pack some type of bag. For me a large purse works perfectly as I can fit in everything I need to (including a small umbrella!) into it!

9. Journal, Travel Books, Etc.

Y'all know from my shop that I love creating and altering travel books and journals so this recommendation is probably not a surprise at all! *smiles* Some people like to pack travel guides to take with them on the cruise so they can explore in depth the ports of call while others like to bring journals on board so as to remember the special details and memories that are made. With so many special memories that are made it can be hard to remember every detail and was so glad that I brought this along

10. Cruise Documents and Passport

Don't forget like any other cruise that you will need to bring all of your cruise documents and passport if you have a Canadian port of call (and you are American).

What about y'all? Any must pack items that you recommend for a New England and Canada Cruise?Looking for more cruising tips? Check out the following cruising posts:

I totally understand! I have only been on one cruise but it was the Caribbean so this will definitely be a new adventure! :) Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and comment! I hope that you are having a wonderful week!!Blessings, Rebecca :)

You are going to have the best time! I was born and raised in Southern New Hampshire and New England in the fall is the best season and time in the world. I agree with your list; lots of layers and boots; you never know what the weather is going to be like and if you wake up and it's sunny, it'll probably be raining by the afternoon.

All images, text, and content on this site are the sole property of Caravan Sonnet, (unless I have given credit where it is due) and may not be used, copied or transmitted without the consent of my permission. EVERYTHING on the blog, unless specified is my original content and is created by me. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE my words, photos, etc. without linking back here and giving proper credit. Thank you so much! Please also note that Caravan Sonnet is a "for profit blog" which means that I do accept sponsored content and profit earning opportunities that include Affiliate Marketing where I receive a small commission but at no extra charge to the purchaser. ALL opinions are my own. "Rebecca VanDeMark is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com."